The Importance of Reading and How to Read Like a Stoic

Key Points

• Importance of Time Management:
  • "You say you don't have time to read, but you're watching this video"
  • All of the Stoics were readers and made time for reading.

Benefits and Approach to Reading**

• Reading can change your life. Example: Ryan Holiday introduced to Marcus Aurelius at 19.
• Emphasizes quality over quantity.
• Stoics emphasize the quality and impact of reading:
  • Marcus Aurelius introduced to Epictetus by Rusticus.
  • Seneca sustained by reading in exile.

Stoic Wisdom on Reading

• Epictetus:

  • Quality over quantity. It matters what you read.

• Seneca:

  • Digest the works of master thinkers.

• Reading Strategies:

  • Read great writers and books that have stood the test of time.
  • Bias towards older books for their lasting value.
  • Digest meaningful and impactful works rather than focusing on the sheer volume of books.

• Time Management:

  • Anyone, no matter how busy, can make time to read.
  • Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus as examples of making time to read despite a busy life.
  • Time management is key; less time wasted on unproductive activities.

Practices for Effective Reading

• Reading as a Job:

  • Commitment to improving reading skills and practice.
  • Daily Stoic's "How to Read Like a Stoic Challenge":
  • A structured guide to a Stoic reading practice.
  • Benefits from live Q&As and joining a community of dedicated readers.

• Mentorship in Reading:

  • Importance of having a reading master or mentor.
  • Examples: Eisenhower (Mentored by Fox Conner); Marcus Aurelius (Guided by Rusticus and Fronto).

Deep Reading and Re-reading

• General James Mattis:

  • The importance of deep reading and having read hundreds of books.

• Strategy:

  • Practice re-reading to extract more value over time:
  • Circumstances and personal growth make each reading experience unique.
  • Seneca's advice on revisiting the works of master thinkers.

Application of Reading in Real Life

• Balance Between Reading and Action:

  • Don't just retreat to the world of books; apply knowledge in real life.
  • Marcus Aurelius advocates for balancing intellectual pursuits with life's practicalities.

• Famous Perspective:

  • Harry Truman: "Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers."
  • Value of self-education emphasized by historical figures like Truman.

Historical Context**

• Impact of reading restrictions on African Americans and the moral obligation to read:
• Example from a personal narrative about the importance of reading beyond just learning and entertainment.
• Historical struggle for the right to read showcases the gravity and responsibility tied to it.

---

Further Engagement

• Daily Stoic Email Subscription:
  • Daily Stoic wisdom emails for continuous learning and engagement.
  • Encouraged to join the largest community of practicing Stoics.

---

Conclusion

• Ryan emphasizes that reading is a crucial practice for personal growth and philosophical understanding.
• Making time for reading, focusing on quality, and applying learned wisdom in real life are key takeaways for a balanced, enriching life.